“It was my birthday and I just cried because it was such a huge relief. I’d been working six days a week while still trying to do my law studies so it was great to be rewarded for that effort."
Ebony is studying for a combined Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Law degree at UNE and is the first person in her immediate family to embark on tertiary education. Originally from Inverell, she is a proud Gomeroi woman and comes from a tight-knit family that has been unwavering in its support of her education.
"My family were going into debt to make sure I was able to continue my studies," Ebony said.
"It was hard moving away from home without my support network. To then have to manage financial responsibilities and adapt to university life was a big shock but if you want to do well, which I do, you have to go the extra mile.”
The Essential Energy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship has removed both financial and social barriers to Ebony's university education. She will receive financial support for the duration of her degree and have the opportunity to take up an industry work placement upon graduation.
"The scholarship gives me a better opportunity to achieve academic success," Ebony said.
"The financial support helps with practical things like textbooks, but it also means I can put extra towards my rent expenses, manage my work, and focus more on why I’m here – my education. Now I can invest some of my time in things that interest and stimulate me outside of studies, which is important. It means I can stay connected to my culture and also connect with the community of people that I have here in Armidale.”
In addition to her studies, Ebony plays volleyball every Monday night with fellow Indigenous students.
“There’s a group of us that have come from Inverell and we have formed this small community," she said.
"Being able to connect with other Indigenous young people and having time to engage in these kinds of activities keeps me grounded.”
Essential Energy is a New South Wales state-owned corporation responsible for building, operating and maintaining one of Australia’s largest electricity networks spanning 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland.
Developing a diverse and inclusive workplace and contributing to the communities in which it operates is a focus for the business.
The Essential Energy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to fulltime Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students enrolled at UNE, preferably on campus.
To learn how you can help fund a scholarship like Ebony's, download our 2019 Giving Report.
